Carrie Underwood entered a very exclusive club last night when she performed the National Anthem at the start of Super Bowl XLIV. Clad in a sequined white catsuit, Carrie ensured that we’d not only be comparing her to consummate Anthem-er, Whitey Houston, but also Britney Spears this morning.

I can’t be the only one who had Elvis flashbacks as soon as the “American Idol” winner strode onto the stage in her high ass heels — the look was very reminiscent of Britney’s ads for her 2002 HBO special, “Live from Las Vegas.”

But fashion aside, the biggest hurdle anyone, anywhere, anytime singing the National Anthem has to bound over are comparisons to Ms. Houston’s iconic 1991 performance. First off, kudos to Carrie for actually singing live (more than I can say about some other “Idol” also rans). For most of the song, she sounded great. Then, like a frat boy on their 21st birthday, Carrie pushed it too hard and lost control, ending on a flat note.

Take a listen to both below and decide where Carrie ranks in the annals of “Anthem” history.